2 Timothy 2:25
New International Version
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

New Living Translation
Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.

English Standard Version
correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,

Berean Standard Bible
He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

Berean Literal Bible
in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth,

King James Bible
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

New King James Version
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

New American Standard Bible
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

NASB 1995
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

NASB 1977
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,

Legacy Standard Bible
with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth,

Amplified Bible
He must correct those who are in opposition with courtesy and gentleness in the hope that God may grant that they will repent and be led to the knowledge of the truth [accurately understanding and welcoming it],

Christian Standard Bible
instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

American Standard Version
in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,

Contemporary English Version
Be humble when you correct people who oppose you. Maybe God will lead them to turn to him and learn the truth.

English Revised Version
in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He must be gentle in correcting those who oppose the Good News. Maybe God will allow them to change the way they think and act and lead them to know the truth.

Good News Translation
who is gentle as you correct your opponents, for it may be that God will give them the opportunity to repent and come to know the truth.

International Standard Version
and gentle when refuting opponents. After all, maybe God will allow them to repent and to come to a full knowledge of the truth,

Majority Standard Bible
He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.

NET Bible
correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth

New Heart English Bible
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,

Webster's Bible Translation
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth:

Weymouth New Testament
He must speak in a gentle tone when correcting the errors of opponents, in the hope that God will at last give them repentance, for them to come to a full knowledge of the truth

World English Bible
in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
instructing those opposing in meekness—if perhaps God may give to them conversion to an acknowledging of the truth,

Berean Literal Bible
in gentleness disciplining those opposing, lest ever God may give them repentance unto a knowledge of the truth,

Young's Literal Translation
in meekness instructing those opposing -- if perhaps God may give to them repentance to an acknowledging of the truth,

Smith's Literal Translation
In meekness instructing them being in a contrary state; lest perhaps God may give them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth,

Catholic Public Domain Version
correcting with self-restraint those who resist the truth. For at any time God may give them repentance, so as to recognize the truth,

New American Bible
correcting opponents with kindness. It may be that God will grant them repentance that leads to knowledge of the truth,

New Revised Standard Version
correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So that he may discipline gently those who argue against him; and perhaps God will grant them repentance and they will know the truth:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
That he may instruct with humility those who dispute against him. Perhaps God will give them repentance and they will know the truth,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if, possibly, God may give them repentance in order to the acknowledgment of the truth,

Godbey New Testament
in meekness correcting the adversaries; if peradventure God may grant unto them repentance into the perfect knowledge of the truth,

Haweis New Testament
with meekness correcting those who are opposers, if at last God may give unto them repentance so as to submit to the conviction of the truth;

Mace New Testament
with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth.

Weymouth New Testament
He must speak in a gentle tone when correcting the errors of opponents, in the hope that God will at last give them repentance, for them to come to a full knowledge of the truth

Worrell New Testament
in meekness correcting those opposing themselves, if peradventure God should give them repentance to a full knowledge of the truth,

Worsley New Testament
with meekness instructing those of different sentiments, not knowing but God may give them repentance to the acknowledgement of the truth;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Lord's Approved Workman
24And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 25 He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. 26Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.…

Cross References
James 1:21
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Titus 3:2
to malign no one, and to be peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.

Matthew 11:29
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

1 Corinthians 4:21
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Ephesians 4:2
with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

1 Peter 2:23
When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

Romans 12:20-21
On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Luke 6:27-28
But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Proverbs 25:15
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.


Treasury of Scripture

In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

In.

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

1 Timothy 6:11
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

instructing.

Jeremiah 13:15-17
Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken…

Jeremiah 26:12-15
Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard…

John 5:34
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

if.

Jeremiah 31:18,19,33
I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God…

Ezekiel 11:19
And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh:

Ezekiel 36:26,31
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh…

peradventure.

Acts 8:22
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

1 Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

repentance.

2 Timothy 3:7
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Matthew 21:32
For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

Mark 1:3,4,15
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight…

Jump to Previous
Acknowledging Chance Change Errors Full Gentle Gentleness Gently Guiding Heart Hope Instruct Instructing Leading Meekness Opponents Oppose Peradventure Perhaps Repent Repentance Setting Speak Teaching Themselves Tone True. Truth
Jump to Next
Acknowledging Chance Change Errors Full Gentle Gentleness Gently Guiding Heart Hope Instruct Instructing Leading Meekness Opponents Oppose Peradventure Perhaps Repent Repentance Setting Speak Teaching Themselves Tone True. Truth
2 Timothy 2
1. Timothy is exhorted again to constancy and perseverance.
17. Of Hymenaeus and Philetus.
19. The foundation of the Lord is sure.
22. He is taught whereof to beware, and what to follow after.














in the hope
The phrase "in the hope" conveys a sense of expectation and trust in God's sovereign ability to transform hearts. The Greek word used here is "ἐλπίδι" (elpidi), which implies a confident expectation rather than a mere wish. In the context of Christian doctrine, hope is not uncertain but is anchored in the promises of God. This hope is rooted in the assurance that God is actively working in the lives of individuals, drawing them towards Himself.

that God will grant
The phrase emphasizes the divine initiative in the process of repentance. The Greek word "δώῃ" (dōē) is used here, which means "to give" or "to grant." This highlights the grace of God, as repentance is not something that can be achieved by human effort alone but is a gift from God. It underscores the theological understanding that salvation and repentance are acts of divine grace, emphasizing God's sovereignty and mercy.

them repentance
Repentance, or "μετάνοιαν" (metanoian) in Greek, signifies a profound change of mind and heart. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. Historically, repentance was a central message of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, calling people to prepare for the Kingdom of God. In the early church, repentance was seen as the first step in the process of salvation, a necessary response to the Gospel message.

leading to a knowledge
The phrase "leading to a knowledge" indicates a progression or journey towards understanding. The Greek word "ἐπίγνωσιν" (epignōsin) suggests a deep, experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual assent. This knowledge is relational and transformative, implying a personal encounter with the truth of God. In the biblical context, true knowledge is always connected to a relationship with God and is evidenced by a life that reflects His character.

of the truth
The term "truth" in this context refers to the ultimate reality as revealed by God through Jesus Christ. The Greek word "ἀληθείας" (alētheias) denotes not just factual correctness but the embodiment of divine truth. In the conservative Christian perspective, this truth is found in the Scriptures and is personified in Christ, who declared Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The pursuit of this truth leads to spiritual freedom and eternal life.

(25) In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.--By "those that oppose themselves," St. Paul alludes scarcely so much to those leading teachers of false doctrine as to those led away by them. In Titus 3:10 we read how these pronounced heretics--no doubt the teachers and leaders of the school--were, after a first and second admonition, to be shunned, were to be left to themselves. These, however, were evidently to be dealt with in a different manner. Their treatment was to be a gentle one. Nothing is here said respecting a first and second admonition only; no hint is given that these are to be shunned. They are clearly not the same as those referred to in Titus 3:10, or above in 2Timothy 2:21 of this chapter, where, again, separation is definitely urged.

If God peradventure will give them repentance.--The Greek original here also carries out what was said in the Note on the last clause, and may be rendered literally, if perchance at any time God might grant to them . . . This suggests a hope at least that at some time or other God's grace would work in these "opposing" members of the congregation a change. The "repentance" here signifies an abandonment on the part of those erring Christians of that wrong course on which they had entered, and a return to the true Church of God and to the full knowledge of the gospel truth.

Verse 25. - Correcting them for instructing those, A.V.; peradventure God for God peradventure, A.V.; may for will, A.V.; unto the knowledge for to the acknowledging, A.V. Correcting (παιδεύοντα), παιδεύειν means properly to "educate," "bring up," or "train" a child. Hence sometimes the idea of teaching predominates, sometimes that of correcting or chastising. Here the context shows that the idea of teaching is pre-dominant - partly because the word suggests something contrary to the ἀπαίδευτοι ζητήσεις of ver. 23, and partly because the end of this παιδεία is to bring them to the knowledge of God's truth. The A.V. "instructing" is therefore the right word here. Them that oppose themselves (τοὺς ἀντιδιατιθέμενους); only here in the New Testament or the LXX., or in classical Greek. Literally, those who arrange or set themselves in opposition; or, in one word, "opponents," referring, no doubt, chiefly to such ἀντιλέγοντες as are mentioned in the very similar passage, Titus 1:9 (see too Titus 2:8). If peradventure (μήποτε). "Μήποτε, in later Greek, loses its aversative meaning ('lest at any time'), and is almost equivalent to εἴποτε (Alford, in loc.) - equivalent to "in case God should," etc. Repentance (μετανοία); such a change of mind as shall lead them to embrace the truth. Knowledge (ἐπίγνωσις); almost invariably used of the knowledge of God or of God's truth (ch. 3:7; Romans 1:28; Ephesians 1:17; Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:9, 10; Colossians 3:10; Titus 1:1; Hebrews 10:26, etc.). The truth; that truth which before they set themselves to oppose, disputing against it and resisting it. The servant of the Lord must never despair of any one, never throw an additional obstacle in any one's way by roughness or harsh speech, and never allow unkind feelings to be roused in his own breast by the perverseness or unreasonableness of them that oppose themselves to him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[He must] gently
πραΰτητι (prautēti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4240: Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.

reprove
παιδεύοντα (paideuonta)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3811: From pais; to train up a child, i.e. Educate, or, discipline.

those who
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

oppose [him],
ἀντιδιατιθεμένους (antidiatithemenous)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 475: To set myself against, oppose. From anti and diatithemai; to set oneself opposite, i.e. Be disputatious.

in the hope that
μή‿ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

God
Θεὸς (Theos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

may grant
δώῃ (dōē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give.

them
αὐτοῖς (autois)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

repentance
μετάνοιαν (metanoian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3341: From metanoeo; compunction; by implication, reversal (another's) decision).

leading to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

a knowledge
ἐπίγνωσιν (epignōsin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1922: From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.

of [the] truth.
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.


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NT Letters: 2 Timothy 2:25 In gentleness correcting those who oppose him: (2 Tim. 2Ti iiTi ii Tim)
2 Timothy 2:24
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